Altona residents, and visitors, have welcomed back the Welcome to Altona signs on the town’s west, north and south entrances. The signs had been removed early this year to be repaired, and were re-installed last week.
All three signs were originally installed in 2011, and featured the "Altogether Altona" branding. According to Mayor Harv Schroeder, the refresh project was discussed last year and placed in the 2025 budget.
"They've weathered quite well, but they've also have some areas that need fixing," he explained. "In 2024, the plan was to put it in the 2025 budget, and instead of replacing the full sign, we did a facelift."
New imagery part of the refresh
Those significant updates see all three signs feature elements of Altona's flag, which was designed by Edward Vincent Arcenal and unveiled to the community in June 2021.
"The sunflower, the way the petals are, represent the new flag and the story that's behind it," noted Schroeder. "We thought it was the right time to be making a change... and it was just time to refresh these."
The goal was is to have all three signs back in place before the start of the Manitoba Sunflower Festival later this week. The final sign, at the south entrance to town, was installed Friday.
"It reflects the community, and when the signs look good, I think if they're simple, it just gives a a welcoming feeling to the community," concluded Schroeder.
